College of Letters At Wesleyan

The College of Letters (COL) is a three-year interdisciplinary major for the study of European literature, history and philosophy, from antiquity to the present, in which students read and discuss works together (in English) and learn to think critically about texts both in relation to their contexts and influences and in relation to the disciplines that shape and are shaped by those texts.

COL majors debate ideas in colloquia, bond over books in the COL library, and listen to guest speakers in a collaborative workspace encircled by professors' offices.

What You'll Study

Students wishing to major in the College of Letters must submit an application in the spring semester of their first year. Applicants must show proficiency in a foreign language.

As a COL major you'll be required to take a series of colloquia focusing on works of predominantly European literature, history and philosophy in the ancient world through the 20th century, as well as in history, philosophy, literature/representation and in your target foreign language literature. A comprehensive exam in spring of junior year and a senior thesis or essay are also required.

COL majors become proficient in a foreign language and must spend a semester abroad in the spring of sophomore year to deepen their knowledge of another culture.

Because the goal of COL is to cultivate the educated imagination, letter grades are not given in courses taken for COL major credit, and COL seminars do not generally have final examinations. Instead, tutors write detailed evaluations of their students' work at the end of each semester.

AT A GLANCE

Sample Courses:Performing Ethnicity: Gypsies and the Culture of Flamenco in Spain; French Cinema: An Introduction; Staging America: Modern American Drama; Modern Intellectual History in Global Perspectives, Gender and History View all courses

The COL integrates the social and intellectual lives of its members by inviting guest lecturers and by providing opportunities for students and faculty to meet such guests (and one another) informally.

Did you know?

Each year the Department of Classical Studies hosts a "Homerathon"—a day-long reading of Homer’s “Odyssey," at various spots across campus.

Many Wesleyan graduates have written best-selling books, including Sebastian Junger ’84 (The Perfect Storm), and Daniel Handler ’92, using the pseudonym Lemony Snicket (A Series of Unfortunate Events).

The Shapiro Creative Writing Center is a hub for writing activities and serves as a venue for readings, workshops, colloquia, informal discussions, student-sponsored events and receptions.